Working Title
Coral Husbandry and Probiotic Research Technician
Home Department
Center for Marine Science - 30600
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science (CMS) is recognized both nationally and internationally for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of environmental processes and problems. CMS strives to engage communities to address societal issues and promote use-inspired innovations.
Through research, education and outreach, the Center strives to increase knowledge about coastal and marine sciences and cultivate community engagement in coastal resilience. This includes a variety of fields such as physical oceanography; marine and coastal biology; marine, atmospheric and natural products chemistry; marine geology; aquaculture; environmental sciences, marine policy, human health, and sociology. Currently there are more than 100 active research programs supported by CMS and over 140 scientists, staff and students broadly associated with the unit. The teaching and research facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern North Carolina features state of the art core facilities in spectrometry and spectroscopy, light stable isotopes, biotechnology, aquaculture, DNA and water quality analysis as well as running seawater systems, a coastal workboat fleet and a wide range of oceanographic equipment that are available to all CMS researchers. CMS supports educational programs related to marine science, including the Applied Coastal and Ocean Science Ph.D. program and MS Marine Science degree as well as courses and students from various marine-science related academic departments across the breadth of UNCW. It also supports several outreach entities, including NC Sea Grant, the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Marine Quest, among others.
College
Center for Marine Science - 306 College
College/School Information
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
Location of Workplace
CMS Myrtle Grove
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The Coral Husbandry and Probiotic Research Technician position is responsible for providing specialized support to the principal investigator in the areas of coral husbandry and juvenile coral care for restoration and research objectives (for more information see http://www.nicolefogarty.com/). The research technician will be primarily involved in supporting experimental research conducted in the laboratory, including studies focused on coral probiotic development.
Responsibilities include the isolation and culturing of bacterial strains from coral species to identify potential probiotic candidates, preparing and applying inoculants to coral larvae and recruits, and monitoring and quantifying coral survivorship and growth over time. The position will also involve collecting, entering, and managing experimental data, including routine survival counts and imaging of coral recruits using microscopy and image analysis software. Additional responsibilities include supporting coral husbandry operations, assisting with maintenance of experimental systems, grant and report writing, collecting, entering, and managing datasets, managing deliverables associated with specific sponsors, coordinating and participating in fieldwork operations, and ensuring research activities are carried out in accordance with established protocols.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Preferred education, professional skills and experience
- A master’s degree in biology or marine biology from an accredited institution, along with two years of experience working with corals, aquaria systems, or related research.
- Candidates should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent organization and attention to detail, effective interpersonal skills, and experience with data management and analysis.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, R, and image analysis software (e.g., Olympus cellSens).
- The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in coral husbandry, including use of Neptune Apex Controller Systems, and a background in experimental research.
- Additional preferred qualifications include familiarity with Olympus cellSens, microbiological techniques such as bacterial isolation and culturing, and applying probiotic treatments in experimental systems.
- Experience with research project management, water quality and chemistry, report and grant writing, complex data analysis, coral spawning research, small boat handling experience, and SCUBA diving (AAUS preferred) is also advantageous.
Required Certifications or licensure
N/A
FTE
1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
Months Per Year
12 Months
Work Days
Monday - Friday
Work Hours
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Type of Position
Time-limited
Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited
08/31/2029
Job Posting Date
08/13/2026
Posting Close Date
08/19/2026
Number of Openings
Single Incumbent
Special Notes to Applicants
This position is time-limited with the possibility of continuation pending availability of funds and department need.
PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application, including the ‘Work History’ section before you apply for this position. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
EEO Statement
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
External Link to Posting
https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40467
